JP2005209470A - Fuel cell - Google Patents

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JP2005209470A
JP2005209470A JP2004014402A JP2004014402A JP2005209470A JP 2005209470 A JP2005209470 A JP 2005209470A JP 2004014402 A JP2004014402 A JP 2004014402A JP 2004014402 A JP2004014402 A JP 2004014402A JP 2005209470 A JP2005209470 A JP 2005209470A
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fuel cell
air
mesh
water
conductor
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JP2005209470A5 (en
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Munehisa Horiguchi
宗久 堀口
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Equos Research Co Ltd
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Equos Research Co Ltd
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Priority to JP2004014402A priority Critical patent/JP2005209470A/en
Priority to US11/032,001 priority patent/US7794863B2/en
Priority to CNB2005100038866A priority patent/CN100477354C/en
Priority to KR1020050005185A priority patent/KR100799050B1/en
Priority to DE200510003007 priority patent/DE102005003007A1/en
Publication of JP2005209470A publication Critical patent/JP2005209470A/en
Publication of JP2005209470A5 publication Critical patent/JP2005209470A5/ja
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/023—Porous and characterised by the material
    • H01M8/0232—Metals or alloys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0204—Non-porous and characterised by the material
    • H01M8/0223—Composites
    • H01M8/0228—Composites in the form of layered or coated products
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0247—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the form
    • H01M8/0254—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the form corrugated or undulated
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0267—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors having heating or cooling means, e.g. heaters or coolant flow channels
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04059—Evaporative processes for the cooling of a fuel cell
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/241—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2483—Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by internal manifolds
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0047—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with monitoring or indicating devices or circuits
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering
    • H02J7/35—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering with light sensitive cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M2008/1095—Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/04097—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with recycling of the reactants
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04291—Arrangements for managing water in solid electrolyte fuel cell systems
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B20/00—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
    • Y02B20/72—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps in street lighting
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

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  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
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  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To aim at gaining both cooling and maintaining film wetting in a fuel cell in a system in which air and cooling water are directly supplied to an air electrode side with a simple structure. <P>SOLUTION: In the fuel cell, a separator (10B) is arranged between mutually adjacent unit cells, and a mixed flow of air and water is supplied to the air electrode side of a unit cell through the separator. The separator has a net-like conductor 14 for transmitting the mixed flow at the surface of at least the air electrode side of the unit cell. The conductor maintains water at the net, and cools the unit cell by the latent heat of water evaporated by the heat of the unit cell without preventing the contact between the electrode and air by clogging. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

本発明は、燃料電池に関し、特にその単位セル間に介挿されるセパレータを利用した燃料電池の冷却技術に関する。   The present invention relates to a fuel cell, and more particularly to a cooling technology for a fuel cell using a separator interposed between unit cells.

燃料電池の一形式としてのＰＥＭ型燃料電池の単位セルは、燃料極（一般に燃料として水素ガスが用いられることから、水素極ともいう）と酸化剤極（同様に酸化剤として酸素を含むガスである空気が用いられることから、以下これを空気極という）との間に高分子固体電解質膜が挟持された構成とされる。燃料極と空気極は、共に触媒物質を含む触媒層と、触媒層を支持するとともに反応ガスを透過する機能を果たし、更に集電体としても機能を有する電極基材からなる。燃料極と空気極の更に外側には、反応ガスとしての水素と空気をセル外部から電極面に均一に供給するとともに、反応ガスの余剰分をセル外部に排出するためのガス流路（一般に電極面側が開いた溝で構成される）を設けたセパレータ（コネクタ板）が積層される。このセパレータは、ガスの透過を防止するとともに、発生した電流を外部へ取り出すための集電を行う。上記のような単位セルとセパレータとで１ユニットの単電池が構成される。   A unit cell of a PEM type fuel cell as one type of fuel cell is composed of a fuel electrode (also referred to as a hydrogen electrode because hydrogen gas is generally used as a fuel) and an oxidant electrode (also a gas containing oxygen as an oxidant). Since a certain air is used, the polymer solid electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between the air electrode and the air electrode). Both the fuel electrode and the air electrode are composed of a catalyst layer containing a catalyst material, an electrode base material that supports the catalyst layer and transmits a reaction gas, and also functions as a current collector. A gas flow path (generally an electrode for supplying hydrogen and air as reaction gases uniformly from the outside of the cell to the electrode surface and discharging excess reaction gas to the outside of the cell further outside the fuel electrode and air electrode. A separator (connector plate) provided with a groove formed on the surface side is laminated. This separator prevents gas permeation and collects current for taking out the generated current to the outside. The unit cell and the separator as described above constitute one unit cell.

実際の燃料電池では、かかる単電池の多数個が直列に積層されてセルモジュールが構成される。このような、燃料電池では、十分な発電効率を維持するために、単位セル中の高分子固体電解質膜を十分に湿潤状態に保つ必要があり、一般に、電解反応により生成する水のみでは水分が不足することから、各単位セルに加湿水を供給する手段を必要とする。また、電解反応により発生電力にほぼ相当する熱量の熱が発生するため、燃料電池本体が過度にヒートアップすることを防止する冷却手段が講じられる。   In an actual fuel cell, a large number of such single cells are stacked in series to constitute a cell module. In such a fuel cell, in order to maintain sufficient power generation efficiency, it is necessary to keep the polymer solid electrolyte membrane in the unit cell in a sufficiently wet state. In general, only water generated by the electrolytic reaction has moisture. Since it is insufficient, a means for supplying humidified water to each unit cell is required. In addition, since an amount of heat substantially corresponding to the generated electric power is generated by the electrolytic reaction, a cooling means for preventing the fuel cell main body from excessively heating up is provided.

燃料電池の冷却手段としては、種々のものが提案されており、冷却とともに電解質膜の湿潤を行なうようにしたものがある（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。この技術では、予め水を添加した空気を供給して、冷却ガス流路で水を蒸発させて冷却を行なった後、その蒸発した水分を含んだ空気を空気流路に循環させるようにした構成が採用されている。   Various means for cooling the fuel cell have been proposed, and there is an apparatus in which the electrolyte membrane is wetted with cooling (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this technology, after supplying water with water added in advance and evaporating the water in the cooling gas flow path for cooling, the air containing the evaporated water is circulated in the air flow path. Is adopted.

また、セパレータ内にガス流路とは分離した中空部を形成し、中空部に冷却水を流通させるとともに、この冷却水が多孔質の壁面を通して空気流路に水蒸気を供給させるようにしたものも提案されている（例えば、特許文献２参照。）。
特開平１０−２４７５０５号公報 特開平６−３３８３３８号公報 Also, a hollow part separated from the gas flow path is formed in the separator, and cooling water is circulated through the hollow part, and this cooling water supplies water vapor to the air flow path through the porous wall surface. It has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 10-247505 A JP-A-6-338338

ところで、従来技術によれば、冷却と膜の湿潤の維持の両立は困難で、例えば、特許文献１に記載のものによると、一旦冷却ガス流路で液体水を蒸発させた水蒸気を含む空気を、再び空気流路に循環させるために、その循環経路において、冷却ガス流路の温度を維持することが難しく、例えば、循環経路において温度が低下した後、空気流路において温度が上昇した場合、空気流路においては、電解質膜中から水分を奪うことになり、膜湿潤の維持は困難である。   By the way, according to the prior art, it is difficult to maintain both the cooling and the wetness of the film. For example, according to the one described in Patent Document 1, air containing water vapor once liquid water is evaporated in the cooling gas flow path is used. In order to circulate again in the air flow path, it is difficult to maintain the temperature of the cooling gas flow path in the circulation path, for example, when the temperature increases in the air flow path after the temperature decreases in the circulation path, In the air flow path, moisture is taken away from the electrolyte membrane, and it is difficult to maintain the membrane wetness.

また、特許文献２に記載のものでは、多孔質の壁面を通じて水蒸気を供給するものの、多孔質から染み出る水分により十分な水蒸気の供給が可能であるとは必ずしも言い難いし、冷却水路では、顕熱による冷却が行なわれるだけであるので、十分な冷却を行なうためには、冷却水の循環のための機械的設備やエネルギーが膨大になる可能性がある。   In addition, although the water vapor is supplied through the porous wall surface in the device described in Patent Document 2, it is not always possible to supply sufficient water vapor due to the water oozing out from the porous wall. Since only cooling by heat is performed, mechanical equipment and energy for circulating the cooling water may be enormous in order to perform sufficient cooling.

本発明は、上記の事情に鑑みて案出されたものであり、空気極側に空気と冷却水が直接供給される方式の燃料電池において、冷却と膜湿潤の維持の両立を単純な構成で実現することを目的とする。更に、本発明は、効率的な冷却が可能な燃料電池を提供するものである。   The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and in a fuel cell of a system in which air and cooling water are directly supplied to the air electrode side, both the cooling and the wetness of the film are maintained with a simple configuration. It aims to be realized. Furthermore, the present invention provides a fuel cell capable of efficient cooling.

上記の目的を達成するため、本発明は、電解質膜（１１）と該電解質膜の両側に設けられた燃料極（１３）及び空気極（１２）とからなる単位セル（１０Ａ）がセパレータ（１０Ｂ）を挟んで積層され、該セパレータを通して単位セルの空気極側に空気と水の混合流が供給される燃料電池において、前記セパレータは、単位セルの両極の少なくとも空気極側の表面部分に、前記混合流を透過する網目状の導電体（１４）を備えることを主たる特徴とする。   In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a unit cell (10A) composed of an electrolyte membrane (11) and fuel electrodes (13) and air electrodes (12) provided on both sides of the electrolyte membrane. ), And the separator is supplied to at least the surface portion of the unit cell on both sides of the air electrode, with the mixed flow of air and water being supplied to the air electrode side of the unit cell through the separator. The main feature is that a mesh-like conductor (14) that transmits the mixed flow is provided.

前記の構成において、前記網目状の導電体は、網目の開口率が２５％以上であるのが望ましい。また、前記網目状の導電体は、前記水を付着させるべく親水性処理が施されていることが望ましい。この場合の前記網目状の導電体は、断面形状が矩形波状となるように屈曲されており、前記ガス遮断用の基板は、薄平板状に形成されている。より具体的には、前記セパレータは、前記網目状の導電体とガス遮断用の基板（１６）とを重ね合せた層構造とされる。また、前記網目状の導電体は、網線の間に前記混合流を透過する金網又は金属薄板に前記混合流を透過するパンチ孔が形成されたパンチングメタル若しくは金属薄板に前記混合流を透過する菱形スリットが形成されたランスカットメタルで構成される。   In the above structure, it is desirable that the mesh-like conductor has a mesh opening ratio of 25% or more. Moreover, it is desirable that the mesh-like conductor is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment so that the water adheres thereto. In this case, the mesh-like conductor is bent so that the cross-sectional shape is a rectangular wave shape, and the gas blocking substrate is formed in a thin flat plate shape. More specifically, the separator has a layer structure in which the mesh-like conductor and a gas blocking substrate (16) are overlapped. Further, the mesh-like conductor transmits the mixed flow to a punching metal or a thin metal plate in which punch holes for transmitting the mixed flow are formed in a metal mesh or a thin metal plate that transmits the mixed flow between mesh lines. Consists of lance cut metal with diamond-shaped slits.

本発明によれば、網目状の導電体に空気とともに供給される冷却水が均一に付着、保持されることにより、電極全面にて均一な潜熱冷却が可能となり、冷却能が向上する。また、従来技術のようにセパレータの背面を冷却することにより間接的に電極を冷却する方式に対して、電極により近い部分で冷却することが可能となり、冷却能が向上する。更に、網目状の導電体が、送り込まれる空気に接する冷却のフィンの役目を果たし、冷却能が向上する。   According to the present invention, the cooling water supplied together with the air is uniformly attached and held on the mesh-like conductor, whereby uniform latent heat cooling can be performed on the entire surface of the electrode, and the cooling performance is improved. Further, in contrast to the method of indirectly cooling the electrode by cooling the back surface of the separator as in the prior art, it is possible to cool at a portion closer to the electrode, and the cooling performance is improved. Further, the mesh-shaped conductor serves as a cooling fin in contact with the air to be fed, and the cooling performance is improved.

また、網目状の導電体の開口率を２５％以上とすることで、酸化剤ガスとしての空気と電極の接触面積を十分に確保することができる。また、導電体を親水性にすることで、水を網目に付着、滞留させることができ、それにより冷却効率が向上する。また、網目状の導電体を金網、パンチングメタルあるいはランスカットメタルで構成した場合、細密且つ均一な開口分布と十分な開口率を得ることができ、更に電極拡散層との接触面の開口にも混合流が通り、攪拌されるため、上記の効果をより一層確実に達成することができる。更にランスカットメタルにあっては、厚さに対する剛性が他の材料よりも高いので、接触抵抗を小さくできる。また、導電体を波板状とした場合、平板状と比較して、拡散層との接触面積に対する表面積の割合を大きくすることができると共に、水との接触機会が大幅に増えるので、効率良く冷却できる。   In addition, by setting the aperture ratio of the mesh-shaped conductor to 25% or more, a sufficient contact area between the air as the oxidant gas and the electrode can be secured. Further, by making the conductor hydrophilic, water can adhere and stay in the mesh, thereby improving the cooling efficiency. In addition, when the mesh-like conductor is made of a metal mesh, punched metal or lance cut metal, a fine and uniform opening distribution and a sufficient opening ratio can be obtained, and also the opening on the contact surface with the electrode diffusion layer can be obtained. Since the mixed flow passes and is stirred, the above-mentioned effect can be achieved more reliably. Further, in the lance cut metal, the rigidity with respect to the thickness is higher than that of other materials, so that the contact resistance can be reduced. Also, when the conductor is corrugated, the ratio of the surface area to the contact area with the diffusion layer can be increased and the chances of contact with water are greatly increased compared to the flat plate. Can be cooled.

本発明は、供給空気中に冷却水を直接噴射により混入させて空気極側に供給する方式の燃料電池に適用して特に有効なものであり、これにより網目状の導電体に冷却水が均一に付着し且つ保持されることにより、電極全面にて反応生成熱を利用した均一な潜熱冷却が可能となり、冷却能が向上する。   INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is particularly effective when applied to a fuel cell in which cooling water is directly injected into supply air and supplied to the air electrode side, whereby the cooling water is evenly distributed on a mesh-like conductor. By being attached to and held on the electrode, uniform latent heat cooling using reaction generated heat can be performed on the entire surface of the electrode, and the cooling ability is improved.

以下、図面を参照して、本発明の実施例を説明する。先ず、図１〜図７は本発明の第１実施例を示す。図１は、この発明の適用に係る燃料電池スタック１を用いた車両用燃料電池システムの構成例を示す。この燃料電池システムは、燃料電池スタック１を主体とし、それに空気を供給する空気供給手段としての空気ファン２１を含む空気供給系（図に実線で示す）２及び水凝縮器３１を含む空気排出系３とからなる燃料電池主体部と、水素供給手段としての水素タンク４１を含む燃料供給系（図に２点鎖線で示す）４と、反応部の湿潤と冷却のための水供給系（図に破線で示す）６から構成される。   Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 7 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a vehicle fuel cell system using a fuel cell stack 1 according to an application of the present invention. This fuel cell system is mainly composed of a fuel cell stack 1, and includes an air supply system (shown by a solid line) 2 including an air fan 21 as air supply means for supplying air thereto, and an air discharge system including a water condenser 31. 3, a fuel supply system (indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure) 4 including a hydrogen tank 41 as a hydrogen supply means, and a water supply system (in the figure for wetting and cooling of the reaction part) (Shown by a broken line) 6.

燃料電池の主体部に配置された空気ファン２１は、空気供給路２０を介して空気マニホールド２２に接続され、空気マニホールド２２は、燃料電池スタックを収容する図示しない筐体に接続されている。水凝縮器３１は、筐体の空気排出路３０中に介挿して燃料電池スタック１に接続されている。空気排出路３０には排気温度センサ３２が配置されている。   The air fan 21 disposed in the main part of the fuel cell is connected to an air manifold 22 via an air supply path 20, and the air manifold 22 is connected to a housing (not shown) that houses the fuel cell stack. The water condenser 31 is inserted into the air discharge path 30 of the housing and connected to the fuel cell stack 1. An exhaust temperature sensor 32 is disposed in the air discharge path 30.

燃料供給系４は、水素タンク４１に貯蔵された水素を水素供給路４０を介して燃料電池スタック１の水素通路へ送るべく設けられている。水素供給路４０には、水素タンク４１側から燃料電池スタック１側に向けて、一次圧センサ４２、調圧弁４３Ａ、供給電磁弁４４Ａ、調圧弁４３Ｂ、供給電磁弁４４Ｂ、二次圧センサ４５が設けられている。また、水素供給路４０には付随的に水素帰還路４０ａと水素排出路５０が設けられている。水素帰還路４０ａには、燃料電池スタック１側から順に、水素濃度センサ４６Ａ，４６Ｂ、吸引ポンプ４７、逆止弁４８が配置され、逆止弁４８の下流が水素供給路４０に接続されている。水素帰還路４０ａにおける吸引ポンプ４７と逆止弁４８との間には、水素排出路５０が接続されており、水素排出路５０には、逆止弁５１と、排出電磁弁５２と、燃焼器５３が配置されている。   The fuel supply system 4 is provided to send hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 41 to the hydrogen passage of the fuel cell stack 1 through the hydrogen supply passage 40. A primary pressure sensor 42, a pressure regulating valve 43A, a supply electromagnetic valve 44A, a pressure regulating valve 43B, a supply electromagnetic valve 44B, and a secondary pressure sensor 45 are provided in the hydrogen supply path 40 from the hydrogen tank 41 side toward the fuel cell stack 1 side. Is provided. The hydrogen supply path 40 is additionally provided with a hydrogen return path 40a and a hydrogen discharge path 50. In the hydrogen return path 40a, hydrogen concentration sensors 46A and 46B, a suction pump 47, and a check valve 48 are arranged in this order from the fuel cell stack 1 side, and the downstream of the check valve 48 is connected to the hydrogen supply path 40. . A hydrogen discharge path 50 is connected between the suction pump 47 and the check valve 48 in the hydrogen return path 40a. The hydrogen discharge path 50 includes a check valve 51, a discharge electromagnetic valve 52, and a combustor. 53 is arranged.

水供給系６は、水タンク６１に貯蔵された水を水供給路６０を介して燃料電池スタック１の空気マニホールド２２に配置された多数のノズル６３へ送るべく設けられている。水供給路６０にはポンプ６２が配置されている。また、水タンク６１には、レベルセンサ６４が配置されている。水供給系６には更に燃料電池スタック１と水タンク６１をつなぐ水帰還路６０ａが設けられ、水帰還路６０ａにはポンプ６５と逆止弁６６が配置されている。水帰還路６０ａはポンプ６５の上流側で水凝縮器３１に接続されている。なお、図において、符号７１は燃料電池の起電圧をモニターする電圧計を示す。   The water supply system 6 is provided to send the water stored in the water tank 61 to a large number of nozzles 63 disposed in the air manifold 22 of the fuel cell stack 1 via the water supply path 60. A pump 62 is disposed in the water supply path 60. In addition, a level sensor 64 is disposed in the water tank 61. The water supply system 6 is further provided with a water return path 60a that connects the fuel cell stack 1 and the water tank 61, and a pump 65 and a check valve 66 are disposed in the water return path 60a. The water return path 60 a is connected to the water condenser 31 on the upstream side of the pump 65. In the figure, reference numeral 71 denotes a voltmeter that monitors the electromotive voltage of the fuel cell.

前記のように構成された燃料電池システムは、運転時には、空気供給ファン２１の稼動により空気マニホールド２２に空気が供給されると共に、水供給系からポンプ６２の稼動により水が供給され、続いて燃料供給系４から供給電磁弁４４Ａ，４４Ｂの稼動により水素が供給される。この際、燃料供給系４では、水素一次圧センサ４２によって水素タンク４１側の水素圧がモニターされ、水素調圧弁４３Ａ、４３Ｂによって、燃料電池スタック１へ供給するに適した圧力に調整される。そして、供給電磁弁４４Ａ，４４Ｂの開閉によって、水素の燃料電池スタック１への供給が電気的に制御される。水素ガスの供給の遮断は、供給電磁弁４４Ａ，４４Ｂの閉鎖によりなされる。また、水素二次圧センサ４５によって、燃料電池スタック１に供給される直前の水素ガス圧がモニターされる。また、水供給系６では、水タンク６１の水はポンプ６２により空気マニホールド２２内に配設されたノズル６３へ圧送され、ここから空気マニホールド２２内で連続的若しくは間欠的に噴出され、空気流に霧状に混入されて燃料電池スタック１に送り込まれる。   In the fuel cell system configured as described above, during operation, air is supplied to the air manifold 22 by the operation of the air supply fan 21, and water is supplied from the water supply system by the operation of the pump 62. Hydrogen is supplied from the supply system 4 by the operation of the supply solenoid valves 44A and 44B. At this time, in the fuel supply system 4, the hydrogen pressure on the hydrogen tank 41 side is monitored by the hydrogen primary pressure sensor 42, and adjusted to a pressure suitable for supplying to the fuel cell stack 1 by the hydrogen pressure regulating valves 43 </ b> A and 43 </ b> B. The supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell stack 1 is electrically controlled by opening and closing the supply electromagnetic valves 44A and 44B. The supply of hydrogen gas is shut off by closing supply solenoid valves 44A and 44B. Further, the hydrogen gas pressure immediately before being supplied to the fuel cell stack 1 is monitored by the hydrogen secondary pressure sensor 45. Further, in the water supply system 6, the water in the water tank 61 is pumped by the pump 62 to the nozzle 63 disposed in the air manifold 22, and is continuously or intermittently ejected from here in the air manifold 22. Is mixed into the fuel cell stack 1 and fed into the fuel cell stack 1.

前記の構成からなる燃料電池システムにおいて燃料電池スタック１を構成するユニットとしてのセルモジュール１０の構成を図２〜図７に示す。図２に上面（以下、セルモジュールの配置姿勢に即して上下及び縦横の関係を説明する）を示すように、セルモジュール１０は、単位セル（ＭＥＡ）１０Ａと、単位セル同士を電気的に接続すると共に単位セルに導入される水素ガスの流路と空気の流路とを分離するセパレータ１０Ｂと、単位セル１０Ａとセパレータ１０Ｂを支持する２種類のフレーム１７，１８とを１セットとして、板厚方向に複数セット（図示の例では１０セット）重ねて構成されている。なお、単位セル１０Ａは、フレーム１８の内側に位置するため、図２には明確に表されていない。セルモジュール１０は、単位セル１０Ａ同士が所定の間隙を隔てて配置されるように、単位セル１０Ａとセパレータ１０Ｂが、２種類のフレーム１７，１８を交互にスペーサとして多段に重ねられて積層されており、積層方向の一端（図２における上端面側）は、図３に示すように、セパレータ１０Ｂの縦方向凸条形成面と一方のフレーム１７の端面とで終端し、他端（図２における下端面側）は、図４に示すように、セパレータ１０Ｂの横方向凸条形成面と他方のフレーム１８の端面とで終端している。   2 to 7 show the configuration of the cell module 10 as a unit constituting the fuel cell stack 1 in the fuel cell system having the above-described configuration. As shown in FIG. 2, the cell module 10 electrically connects the unit cell (MEA) 10A and the unit cells to each other as shown in the upper surface (hereinafter, the vertical and horizontal relationships will be described in accordance with the arrangement orientation of the cell modules). A separator 10B that connects and separates the flow path of hydrogen gas introduced into the unit cell and the flow path of air, and two types of frames 17 and 18 that support the unit cell 10A and the separator 10B as a set, A plurality of sets (10 sets in the illustrated example) are stacked in the thickness direction. Since the unit cell 10A is located inside the frame 18, it is not clearly shown in FIG. In the cell module 10, unit cells 10A and separators 10B are stacked in multiple stages using two types of frames 17 and 18 alternately as spacers so that the unit cells 10A are arranged with a predetermined gap therebetween. As shown in FIG. 3, one end in the stacking direction (upper end surface side in FIG. 2) terminates at the vertical ridge forming surface of the separator 10B and the end surface of one frame 17, and the other end (in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 4, the lower end surface side) terminates at the lateral ridge forming surface of the separator 10 </ b> B and the end surface of the other frame 18.

図５及び図６に拡大して断面構造を示すように、単位セル１０Ａは、固体高分子電解質膜１１と、この固体高分子電解質膜１１の一側に設けられた酸化剤極である空気極１２及び他側に設けられた燃料極１３とで構成されている。これら空気極１２と燃料極１３は、上述した反応ガスを拡散しながら透過する導電性材料からなる拡散層と、この拡散層上に形成され、固体高分子電解質膜１１と接触させて支持される触媒物質を含む触媒層とからなる。これらの部材のうち、空気極１２と燃料極１３は、それらの支持部材としてのフレーム１８の開口部の幅より若干長い横方向寸法と、開口部の高さより若干短い縦方向寸法を有するものとされている。また、固体高分子電解質膜１１は、開口部の縦横方向寸法より一回り大きな縦横寸法とされている。   5 and 6, the unit cell 10A includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 11 and an air electrode that is an oxidant electrode provided on one side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 11. 12 and a fuel electrode 13 provided on the other side. The air electrode 12 and the fuel electrode 13 are formed on a diffusion layer made of a conductive material that permeates while diffusing the above-described reaction gas, and is formed on the diffusion layer and supported by being in contact with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 11. And a catalyst layer containing a catalyst material. Among these members, the air electrode 12 and the fuel electrode 13 have a lateral dimension slightly longer than the width of the opening of the frame 18 as a support member thereof, and a longitudinal dimension slightly shorter than the height of the opening. Has been. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 11 has a vertical and horizontal dimension that is slightly larger than the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the opening.

セパレータ１０Ｂは、単位セル１０Ａ間のガス遮断部材としてのセパレータ基板１６と、セパレータ基板１６の一側に設けられ、単位セル１０Ａの空気極側の電極拡散層に接触して集電すると共に空気と水の混合流を透過する多数の開口が形成された網状の集電体（以下「空気極側コレクタ」と称する）１４と、セパレータ基板１６の他側に設けられ、単位セル１０Ａの燃料極側の電極拡散層に接触して同じく電流を外部に導出するための網状の導電体（以下「燃料極側コレクタ」と称する）１５とで構成されている。そして、これらを単位セル１０Ａも含めて所定の位置関係に保持すべく、空気極側コレクタ１４の左右両側に配置されたフレーム１７（最外側のもののみ上下端を相互にバックアッププレート１７ａ，１７ｂで連結されて枠状（図３参照）をなす）と、燃料極側コレクタ１５及び単位セル１０Ａの周縁部にフレーム１８が設けられている。コレクタ１４，１５は、この例では金属薄板、例えば板厚が０．２ｍｍ程度のもので構成されている。また、セパレータ基板１６は、板厚が更に薄い金属薄板で構成される。この構成金属としては、導電性と耐食性を備えた金属、例えば、ステンレス鋼、ニッケル合金、チタン合金等に金メッキ等の耐蝕導電処理を施したものが挙げられる。また、フレーム１７，１８は、適宜の絶縁材料で構成される。   The separator 10B is provided on one side of the separator substrate 16 as a gas blocking member between the unit cells 10A, and contacts with the electrode diffusion layer on the air electrode side of the unit cell 10A to collect current and air. A net-like current collector (hereinafter referred to as “air electrode side collector”) 14 formed with a large number of openings through which a mixed flow of water is formed, and the fuel electrode side of the unit cell 10A provided on the other side of the separator substrate 16 And a net-like conductor (hereinafter referred to as “fuel electrode side collector”) 15 for contacting the electrode diffusion layer and leading out current to the outside. Then, in order to maintain these in a predetermined positional relationship including the unit cell 10A, the frames 17 (upper and lower ends of only the outermost one are mutually connected by the backup plates 17a and 17b to the left and right sides of the air electrode side collector 14). A frame 18 is provided on the periphery of the fuel electrode side collector 15 and the unit cell 10A. In this example, the collectors 14 and 15 are made of a thin metal plate, for example, a plate having a thickness of about 0.2 mm. The separator substrate 16 is formed of a thin metal plate having a thinner plate thickness. Examples of the constituent metal include metals having conductivity and corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel, nickel alloy, titanium alloy and the like subjected to a corrosion-resistant conductive treatment such as gold plating. The frames 17 and 18 are made of an appropriate insulating material.

空気極側コレクタ１４は、図３に示すように、全体形状を横長の矩形（ただし、底辺だけが水切り効果の向上のために傾斜辺とされている）とされ、図７に一部を拡大して詳細を示すように、開口率５９％の網目状の開口１４３を有する（板面形状の参照を容易にすべく、一部のみに網目形状を表記）ランスカットメタル板材からなり、プレス加工により形成された細かい凸条１４１を有する波板とされている。これら凸条１４１は、板材の縦辺（図示の形態における短辺）に平行に等間隔で、板面を完全に縦断する配置とされている。これら凸条１４１の断面形状は、大まかには矩形波状断面とされ、プレス加工の型抜きの関係から、根元側が若干裾広がりの形状とされている。これら凸条１４１の高さは、フレーム１７の厚さに実質上等しい高さとされ、それにより積層状態で両側のフレーム１７間を縦方向に貫通する所定の開口面積の空気流路を確保している。各凸条１４１の頂部１４２の平面は、空気極１２側拡散層が接触する当接部となっており、凸条１４１間の谷部１４４は、基板１６との当接部とされている。   As shown in FIG. 3, the air electrode side collector 14 has a horizontally long rectangular shape (however, only the bottom is inclined to improve the draining effect), and a part thereof is enlarged in FIG. As shown in detail, it has a mesh-like opening 143 with an aperture ratio of 59% (in order to make it easy to refer to the shape of the plate surface, the mesh shape is shown only partially). It is set as the corrugated sheet which has the fine convex 141 formed by. These ridges 141 are arranged to completely cut the plate surface at equal intervals parallel to the vertical side (short side in the illustrated form) of the plate material. The cross-sectional shape of these ridges 141 is roughly a rectangular wave-shaped cross-section, and the root side is slightly flared from the viewpoint of die cutting during press working. The height of the ridges 141 is substantially equal to the thickness of the frame 17, thereby securing an air flow path having a predetermined opening area that penetrates between the frames 17 on both sides in a stacked state in the vertical direction. Yes. The flat surface of the top portion 142 of each ridge 141 serves as a contact portion with which the air electrode 12 side diffusion layer comes into contact, and the valley portion 144 between the ridges 141 serves as a contact portion with the substrate 16.

なお、空気極側コレクタ１４には、親水性処理が施されている。処理方法としては、親水処理剤を、表面に塗布する方法が採られる。塗布される処理剤としては、ポリアクリルアミド、ポリウレタン系樹脂、酸化チタン（ＴｉＯ２）等が挙げられる。この他の親水性処理としては、金属表面の粗さを粗化する処理が挙げられる。例えば、プラズマ処理などがその例である。親水性処理は、最も温度が高くなる部位に施すことが好ましく、例えば、単位セル１０Ａに接触している凸部１４１の頂部１４２、特に空気流路側に施される。このように親水性処理を施すことにより、コレクタ１４と空気極側拡散層との当接面の濡れが促進され、水の潜熱冷却による効果が向上する。また、これにより網目の開口部に水が詰まり難くなるため、水が空気の供給を阻害する可能性も一層低くなる。   The air electrode side collector 14 is subjected to hydrophilic treatment. As a treatment method, a method of applying a hydrophilic treatment agent to the surface is employed. Examples of the treating agent to be applied include polyacrylamide, polyurethane-based resin, titanium oxide (TiO2), and the like. Other hydrophilic treatments include a treatment for roughening the roughness of the metal surface. For example, plasma processing is an example. The hydrophilic treatment is preferably performed on a portion where the temperature is highest, for example, on the top portion 142 of the convex portion 141 in contact with the unit cell 10A, particularly on the air flow path side. By performing the hydrophilic treatment in this manner, wetting of the contact surface between the collector 14 and the air electrode side diffusion layer is promoted, and the effect of the latent heat cooling of water is improved. In addition, this makes it difficult for water to clog the openings of the mesh, and the possibility that the water hinders the supply of air is further reduced.

燃料極側コレクタ１５は、空気極側コレクタ１４と同様の寸法で網目状の開口１５３を有する（板面形状の参照を容易にすべく、一部のみに網目形状を表記）ランスカットメタルの矩形の板材からなり、プレス加工によって、複数の凸条１５１が押出し形成されている。凸条１５１は、頂部１５２が平坦で、断面形状も、先の凸条１４１の場合と同様に実質上矩形波状とされているが、このコレクタ１５の場合の凸条１５１は、横方向に板面を完全に横断して延びるものとして縦方向に一定のピッチで設けられている。これら凸条１５１の頂部１５２の平面は、燃料極１３が接触する当接部となっており、凸条１５１間の谷部１５４がセパレータ基板１６との当接部とされている。これら凸条１５１の断面形状も、大まかには矩形波状断面とされ、プレス加工の型抜きの関係から、根元側が若干裾広がりの形状とされている。これら凸条１５１の高さは、単位セル１０Ａの厚さと合わせてフレーム１８の厚さに実質上相当する高さとされ、それにより積層状態でフレーム１８の内側を横方向に貫通する所定の開口面積の燃料流路を確保している。   The fuel electrode side collector 15 has a mesh-like opening 153 having the same dimensions as the air electrode side collector 14 (only a part of the mesh shape is shown for easy reference of the plate surface shape). A plurality of protrusions 151 are extruded and formed by pressing. The ridge 151 has a flat top portion 152 and a cross-sectional shape that is substantially rectangular as in the case of the ridge 141 described above. However, the ridge 151 in the case of the collector 15 is a plate in the lateral direction. They are provided at a constant pitch in the longitudinal direction as extending completely across the surface. The planes of the top portions 152 of the ridges 151 serve as contact portions with which the fuel electrode 13 comes into contact, and the valley portions 154 between the ridges 151 serve as contact portions with the separator substrate 16. The cross-sectional shape of these ridges 151 is also roughly a rectangular wave-shaped cross-section, and the root side has a slightly flared shape due to die cutting in press working. The height of the ridges 151 is substantially the same as the thickness of the frame 18 together with the thickness of the unit cell 10A, and thereby a predetermined opening area penetrating the inside of the frame 18 in the lateral direction in a stacked state. The fuel flow path is secured.

上記の構成からなる両コレクタ１４，１５は、各凸条１４１，１５１が共に外側となるようにセパレータ基板１６を間に挟んで配置される。このとき、両コレクタ１４，１５の谷部１４４，１５４がセパレータ基板１６と当接した状態となり、相互に通電可能な状態となる。また、コレクタ１４，１５がセパレータ基板１６と重ね合わせることによって、セパレータ基板１６の一方側に空気流路が構成され、他方側に燃料流路が構成されることになる。そしてこの縦方向の空気流路から、単位セル１０Ａの空気極１２に空気と水が供給され、同様に、横方向の燃料流路から単位セル１０Ａの燃料極１３に水素が供給される。   The collectors 14 and 15 having the above-described configuration are arranged with the separator substrate 16 interposed therebetween so that the protrusions 141 and 151 are both outside. At this time, the valley portions 144 and 154 of the collectors 14 and 15 are brought into contact with the separator substrate 16, so that they can be energized with each other. Further, when the collectors 14 and 15 are overlapped with the separator substrate 16, an air flow path is formed on one side of the separator substrate 16, and a fuel flow path is formed on the other side. Air and water are supplied from the vertical air flow path to the air electrode 12 of the unit cell 10A. Similarly, hydrogen is supplied from the horizontal fuel flow path to the fuel electrode 13 of the unit cell 10A.

前記の構成からなるセパレータ１０Ｂの外側には、フレーム１７，１８がそれぞれ配置される。図５及び図６に示すように、コレクタ１４を囲むフレーム１７は、外端（図５において最上部、図６において左端）のものを除き、コレクタ１４の短辺に沿う両側を囲う縦枠部１７１のみを備えるものとされ、これら縦枠部１７１を板厚方向に貫通する長孔１７２が燃料流路形成のために設けられている。フレーム１７の板厚は、前記のように波板状とされたコレクタ１４の厚みに匹敵する厚さとされている。したがって、フレーム１７がコレクタ１４に組み合わされた状態では、コレクタ１４の凸条１４１は、単位セル１０Ａの空気極１２に接触し、谷部１４４はセパレータ基板１６を介してコレクタ１５に接触する位置関係となる。なお、セパレータ基板１６は、フレーム１７の高さと全体幅に相当する外形寸法とされ、フレーム１７の前記長孔１７２と重なる位置に同様の長孔１６２を備える構成とされている。かくして、フレーム１７の両縦枠部１７１の間には、単位セル１０Ａの空気極１２面とセパレータ基板１６とで囲われた縦方向に全通する空気流路が画定される。   Frames 17 and 18 are disposed outside the separator 10B having the above-described configuration. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the frame 17 surrounding the collector 14 is a vertical frame portion that surrounds both sides along the short side of the collector 14 except for the outer end (the uppermost portion in FIG. 5 and the left end in FIG. 6). The long hole 172 which penetrates these vertical frame parts 171 in the plate | board thickness direction is provided for fuel flow path formation. The thickness of the frame 17 is comparable to the thickness of the corrugated collector 14 as described above. Therefore, in a state in which the frame 17 is combined with the collector 14, the protrusion 141 of the collector 14 is in contact with the air electrode 12 of the unit cell 10 </ b> A, and the valley portion 144 is in contact with the collector 15 through the separator substrate 16. It becomes. The separator substrate 16 has an outer dimension corresponding to the height and overall width of the frame 17, and is configured to include a similar long hole 162 at a position overlapping the long hole 172 of the frame 17. Thus, between the vertical frame portions 171 of the frame 17, an air flow path that passes through in the vertical direction and is surrounded by the air electrode 12 surface of the unit cell 10 </ b> A and the separator substrate 16 is defined.

コレクタ１５と単位セル１０Ａを囲むフレーム１８は、フレーム１７と同じ大きさに構成されているが、フレーム１７とは異なり、左右縦枠部（図５では記載範囲より更に右外側に位置するため現れていないが、フレーム１７の両縦枠部１７１の左右両側端と同じ位置に両側端を有する横方向幅が上下横枠部の略同じ枠部）と上下横枠部１８２を備える完全な枠状とされている。そして、フレーム１８は、外端（図２において最下部、図４に示す面）のものを除き、左右縦枠部と平行に延び、コレクタ１５の左右端に重なる薄板状のバックアッププレート１８ａと厚板状のバックアッププレート１８ｂを備えるものとされ、これらバックアッププレート１８ａと縦枠部で囲われる空間が前記フレーム１７を板厚方向に貫通する長孔１７２と整列する燃料流路形成のための空間を構成している。フレーム１８の板厚は、前記のように波板状とされたコレクタ１５の厚みと単位セル１０Ａの厚みにほぼ匹敵する厚さとされている。したがって、フレーム１８がコレクタ１５に組み合わされた状態では、コレクタ１５の凸条１５１は、単位セル１０Ａの燃料極１３に接触し、谷部１５４はセパレータ基板１６を介してコレクタ１４に接触する位置関係となる。かくして、フレーム１８の両縦枠部とバックアッププレート１８ａとの間には、フレーム１７の縦枠部１７１の長孔１７２と整列するフレーム積層方向の燃料流路が形成され、かつ個々のフレーム１８の内部において、コレクタ１５の波形によりセパレータ基板１６とバックアッププレート１８ａに挟まれる横方向流路としての燃料流路が画定される。   The frame 18 that surrounds the collector 15 and the unit cell 10A is configured to be the same size as the frame 17, but unlike the frame 17, the left and right vertical frame portions (shown in FIG. 5 because they are located on the right outside of the described range). Although not shown, the frame 17 has a complete frame shape including a vertical width frame portion 182 and a vertical width frame portion 182 having both side edges at the same positions as the left and right side edges of the vertical frame portions 171 of the frame 17. It is said that. The frame 18 extends in parallel with the left and right vertical frame portions except for the outer end (the lowermost portion in FIG. 2, the surface shown in FIG. 4), and has a thin plate-like backup plate 18 a that overlaps with the left and right ends of the collector 15. A plate-like backup plate 18b is provided, and a space surrounded by the backup plate 18a and the vertical frame portion is a space for forming a fuel flow path aligned with a long hole 172 that penetrates the frame 17 in the plate thickness direction. It is composed. The plate thickness of the frame 18 is set to be approximately equal to the thickness of the corrugated collector 15 and the thickness of the unit cell 10A as described above. Therefore, in a state where the frame 18 is combined with the collector 15, the protrusion 151 of the collector 15 is in contact with the fuel electrode 13 of the unit cell 10 </ b> A, and the valley portion 154 is in contact with the collector 14 via the separator substrate 16. It becomes. Thus, fuel flow paths in the frame stacking direction aligned with the long holes 172 of the vertical frame portion 171 of the frame 17 are formed between both vertical frame portions of the frame 18 and the backup plate 18a. Inside, a fuel flow path as a lateral flow path sandwiched between the separator substrate 16 and the backup plate 18 a is defined by the waveform of the collector 15.

以上のように構成されたフレーム１７，１８によりコレクタ１４，１５及びセパレータ基板１６を保持してセパレータ１０Ｂが構成され、セパレータ１０Ｂと単位セル１０Ａを交互に積層して、セルモジュールが構成される。こうして積層されたセルモジュールには、図２に示すように、フレーム１８で挟まれる間の部分に、セルモジュールの上面から縦方向にセルモジュールの下面まで全通するスリット状の空気流路が形成される。   The separators 10B are configured by holding the collectors 14 and 15 and the separator substrate 16 by the frames 17 and 18 configured as described above, and the cell modules are configured by alternately stacking the separators 10B and the unit cells 10A. As shown in FIG. 2, the cell modules stacked in this way are formed with slit-like air flow paths that pass through from the upper surface of the cell module to the lower surface of the cell module in the vertical direction between the frames 18. Is done.

こうした構成からなるセルモジュールを筐体内に複数個並べて配置することで構成される燃料電池スタック（図１参照）１は、その上部から空気マニホールド２２で混合された空気と水を供給し、側方から水素を供給することで、発電作動する。空気流路に供給される空気と水は、空気流中に水滴が霧状に混入した状態（以下この状態を混合流という）で空気流路の上部に入る。燃料電池の定常運転状態では、単位セル１０Ａが反応により発熱しているため、空気流路内の混合流が加熱される。混合流中の水滴は、親水性処理により一部がセパレータ１４の網状部分と単位セル１０Ａの空気極１２側に付着し、セパレータ１４の網状部分に付着しなかった水滴は、セパレータ１４と電極拡散層との間の気相中で加熱されることにより、蒸発してセパレータ１４から熱を奪う潜熱冷却作用が生じる。こうして蒸気となった水は、空気極１２側からの固体高分子電解質膜１１中の水分の蒸発を抑えて保湿させる。そして、空気流路に入った余剰の空気と蒸気は、セルスタックの下方の空気流路開口から排出される。   A fuel cell stack (see FIG. 1) 1 constituted by arranging a plurality of cell modules having such a configuration in a casing supplies air and water mixed by an air manifold 22 from the upper side, and is laterally provided. Power is generated by supplying hydrogen from The air and water supplied to the air flow path enter the upper part of the air flow path in a state where water droplets are mixed in the air flow in the form of a mist (hereinafter, this state is referred to as a mixed flow). In the steady operation state of the fuel cell, since the unit cell 10A generates heat due to the reaction, the mixed flow in the air flow path is heated. Water droplets in the mixed flow partially adhere to the mesh portion of the separator 14 and the air electrode 12 side of the unit cell 10A due to the hydrophilic treatment, and water droplets that do not adhere to the mesh portion of the separator 14 are diffused between the separator 14 and the electrode. Heating in the gas phase between the layers causes a latent heat cooling action that evaporates and takes heat away from the separator 14. The water thus vaporized is moisturized by suppressing evaporation of moisture in the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 11 from the air electrode 12 side. Then, excess air and vapor that have entered the air flow path are discharged from the air flow path opening below the cell stack.

一方、燃料流路への水素の供給は、図４に示す最外側のフレーム１８の縦枠部の長孔から、順次積層されたセパレータ基板１６の長孔１６２、フレーム１７の縦枠部１７１の長孔１７２を経て各フレーム１８の縦横枠部及びバックアッププレート１８ａにより囲まれる空間に流入し、セパレータ基板１６とバックアッププレート１８ａにより挟まれる空間を経て単位セル１０Ａの燃料極１３側に供給される。これにより単位セル１０Ａの燃料極１３への水素の供給が行なわれる。そして燃料極１３に沿って横方向に流れる水素のうち、反応に関与しなかった余剰分が、反対側の水素流路に排出され、この水素流路につながる図１に示す配管により循環され最終的に燃焼器に排出される。   On the other hand, hydrogen is supplied to the fuel flow path from the long holes of the vertical frame portion of the outermost frame 18 shown in FIG. 4 to the long holes 162 of the separator substrate 16 and the vertical frame portion 171 of the frame 17 which are sequentially stacked. It flows into the space surrounded by the vertical and horizontal frame portions of each frame 18 and the backup plate 18a through the long holes 172, and is supplied to the fuel electrode 13 side of the unit cell 10A through the space sandwiched between the separator substrate 16 and the backup plate 18a. Thereby, hydrogen is supplied to the fuel electrode 13 of the unit cell 10A. Of the hydrogen flowing laterally along the fuel electrode 13, the surplus that did not participate in the reaction is discharged to the opposite hydrogen flow path and circulated by the piping shown in FIG. 1 connected to this hydrogen flow path. Are discharged to the combustor.

かくして燃料電池スタックに空気と共に送り込まれた水は、先に説明したように、一部はセパレータ１４の網目に付着して蒸発し、それ以外は気相中で網目に付着せずに蒸発して潜熱を奪うので、空気極１２側の電解質膜１１からの水分の蒸発が防止される。したがって、電解質膜１１はその空気極１２側で乾燥することなく、生成水により常に均一な湿潤状態を維持する。また、空気極１２の表面に供給された水は、空気極１２自体からも熱を奪いこれを冷却する。これにより燃料電池スタック１の温度を制御できる。   Thus, as described above, part of the water fed into the fuel cell stack with air evaporates by adhering to the mesh of the separator 14, and the other evaporates without adhering to the mesh in the gas phase. Since latent heat is taken away, evaporation of moisture from the electrolyte membrane 11 on the air electrode 12 side is prevented. Therefore, the electrolyte membrane 11 does not dry on the air electrode 12 side, and always maintains a uniform wet state with the generated water. Moreover, the water supplied to the surface of the air electrode 12 takes heat from the air electrode 12 itself and cools it. Thereby, the temperature of the fuel cell stack 1 can be controlled.

燃料電池スタック１内での水素の流れは、先に説明したとおりである。燃料供給系４において、燃料電池スタック１の水素通路からポンプ４７の吸引により排出される水素ガスは、濃度センサ４５Ａ，４５Ｂにより濃度を計測され、所定の濃度以上のときは、電磁弁５２の閉鎖により還流逆止弁４８を経て水素供給路４０に還流される。また、所定の濃度に満たないときは、排出電磁弁５２の間歇的開放により逆止弁５１及び電磁弁５２を経て燃焼器５３に水素が排出され、燃焼器５３で完全燃焼させた排気が大気へ放出される。   The flow of hydrogen in the fuel cell stack 1 is as described above. In the fuel supply system 4, the concentration of the hydrogen gas discharged by the suction of the pump 47 from the hydrogen passage of the fuel cell stack 1 is measured by the concentration sensors 45A and 45B. When the concentration exceeds a predetermined concentration, the electromagnetic valve 52 is closed. Thus, the hydrogen gas is returned to the hydrogen supply path 40 via the reflux check valve 48. When the predetermined concentration is not reached, hydrogen is discharged to the combustor 53 through the check valve 51 and the electromagnetic valve 52 by intermittently opening the discharge electromagnetic valve 52, and the exhaust gas completely burned by the combustor 53 is discharged into the atmosphere. Is released.

こうしてこのシステムでは、燃料電池スタック１へ特に冷却水系を付設しなくても、空気流に乗せて水を供給することで、燃料電池スタック１を十分に湿潤し、且つ冷却することができる。この際、燃料電池スタック１の温度は、排気温度センサ３２で検出された排出空気の温度に対応してポンプ６２の出力や運転間隔を適宜制御することで、ノズル２２から空気マニホールド２２内に噴出させる水の噴射量が制御され、所望の温度に維持される。具体的には、燃料電池スタック１内に供給する水量を増やせば蒸発量が増え、水量を減らせば蒸発量が減ると共に、風量を増やせば温度が下がり、風量を減らせば温度が上がるので、供給水量と風量を制御することで、運転温度を制御できる。なお、燃料電池スタック１から空気と共に排出される水は、大部分が液体の状態を維持したまま排出されるため、水帰還路６０ａに流れポンプ６５に吸引されて逆止弁６６経由で水タンク６１に戻され、蒸発して水蒸気状になったものや水帰還路６０ａに回収されなかったものについては、水凝縮器３１で凝縮されて液状とされ、あるいはそのまま水凝縮器３１を通って同様にポンプ６５による吸引で水タンク６１に戻される。なお、排気空気に含まれる水蒸気には燃料電池スタック１の発電反応に伴う反応水に起因するものもあると考えられる。この水タンク６１の水位は、水位センサ６４でモニターされる。   Thus, in this system, the fuel cell stack 1 can be sufficiently moistened and cooled by supplying water in an air flow without particularly providing a cooling water system to the fuel cell stack 1. At this time, the temperature of the fuel cell stack 1 is ejected from the nozzle 22 into the air manifold 22 by appropriately controlling the output of the pump 62 and the operation interval in accordance with the temperature of the exhaust air detected by the exhaust temperature sensor 32. The amount of water injected is controlled and maintained at the desired temperature. Specifically, if the amount of water supplied into the fuel cell stack 1 is increased, the amount of evaporation will increase, if the amount of water is decreased, the amount of evaporation will decrease, the temperature will decrease if the amount of air increases, and the temperature will increase if the amount of air decreases. The operating temperature can be controlled by controlling the water volume and air volume. Since most of the water discharged together with air from the fuel cell stack 1 is discharged in a liquid state, it flows into the water return path 60a and is sucked by the pump 65 and passes through the check valve 66 to the water tank. Those that have been returned to 61 and evaporated to form water vapor, or those that have not been recovered in the water return path 60a, are condensed in the water condenser 31 to form a liquid, or passed through the water condenser 31 as they are. Then, the water is returned to the water tank 61 by suction by the pump 65. In addition, it is thought that some water vapor | steam contained in exhaust air originates in the reaction water accompanying the electric power generation reaction of the fuel cell stack 1. FIG. The water level in the water tank 61 is monitored by a water level sensor 64.

このシステムの特徴は、コレクタ１４，１５が細かい網目状となっており、電極拡散層との接触面にも開口が形成されていることで、空気と水の混合流がこの開口を通過する際に攪拌されると共に、電極拡散層のコレクタ１４，１５との接触面にも混合ガスが供給されるので、燃料電池スタック１における電極全面に均一に空気を供給することができ、それにより濃度分極を少なくすることができる点にある。また、電極とコレクタとの網目状の接触により、電極全体から均一に集電できるため、集電抵抗が減少する。更に、電極全体の触媒を有効に使用できるため、活性化分極が少なくなる点にある。また、電極の有効面積を大きくすることができる利点も得られる。   The feature of this system is that the collectors 14 and 15 have a fine mesh shape, and an opening is formed in the contact surface with the electrode diffusion layer, so that a mixed flow of air and water passes through this opening. Since the mixed gas is also supplied to the contact surface of the electrode diffusion layer with the collectors 14 and 15, air can be uniformly supplied to the entire surface of the electrode in the fuel cell stack 1, thereby concentration polarization. It is in the point that can be reduced. Moreover, since the current can be collected uniformly from the entire electrode by the mesh-like contact between the electrode and the collector, the current collecting resistance is reduced. Furthermore, since the catalyst for the entire electrode can be used effectively, the activation polarization is reduced. Moreover, the advantage that the effective area of an electrode can be enlarged is also acquired.

以上説明した実施例１では、セパレータの電極拡散層との接触側、すなわちコレクタ１４，１５をランスカットメタルで構成したものを例示したが、このコレクタ１４，１５の素材として、金属繊維や、金属多孔体、二次元金属織布、金属不織布、波状金属体、溝状金属体、金網、パンチングメタルなど、他のものを用いることもできる。次にコレクタ素材を変更した他の実施例について説明する。   In the first embodiment described above, the contact side of the separator with the electrode diffusion layer, that is, the collectors 14 and 15 made of lance cut metal is exemplified. However, as the material of the collectors 14 and 15, metal fibers or metal Other materials such as a porous body, a two-dimensional metal woven fabric, a metal nonwoven fabric, a corrugated metal body, a grooved metal body, a wire mesh, and a punching metal can also be used. Next, another embodiment in which the collector material is changed will be described.

次の図８に示す実施例２は、両コレクタ１４，１５をパンチングメタルで構成した例である。更にこの例では、両コレクタ素材を共通化すべく波状寸法、すなわち波の高さ及びピッチを実施例１における燃料極側のコレクタと同一のものとしている。そしてこの構成の採用に伴い、波高が低くなった空気極側の流路断面積を確保すべく、セパレータ基板１６にもコレクタ１４の谷部１４４の配置ピッチに合わせたピッチでコレクタ１４側に突出する凸条１６１を形成して、セパレータ基板１６も波板状としている。以下、この実施例における実施例１との共通部分については同様の参照符号を付して説明に代え、以下相違点のみ説明する。   The second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is an example in which both collectors 14 and 15 are made of punching metal. Furthermore, in this example, the wave-like dimensions, that is, the wave height and pitch are made the same as those of the collector on the fuel electrode side in the first embodiment in order to make both collector materials common. With the adoption of this configuration, the separator substrate 16 also protrudes toward the collector 14 at a pitch that matches the arrangement pitch of the troughs 144 of the collector 14 in order to secure the flow path cross-sectional area on the air electrode side where the wave height has decreased. The protruding strip 161 is formed, and the separator substrate 16 is also corrugated. In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to portions common to the first embodiment in this embodiment, and only the differences will be described below.

この例では、実施例１のコレクタ１４，１５と同様の板厚の素材にパンチによる多数の孔を一面に形成している。ちなみに図示の例では、板厚０．２ｍｍの板に縦横幅０．１ｍｍの孔を０．１ｍｍの間隔をおいて形成している。なお、図面では孔１４３，１５３の開口形状の向きを縦横平行としているが、この向きは、特に規制されるものではなく、実施例１と同様に斜め向きとすることも含めていかなる向きの配置も可能である。この実施例におけるセパレータ基板１６の凸条１６１の高さは、この高さとコレクタ１４の凸条１４１の高さとの和が実施例１におけるコレクタ１４の凸条の高さと等しくなる設定とすることで、空気極側の流路断面積を実施例１と同様とすることができる。   In this example, a large number of punch holes are formed on one surface of a material having the same thickness as the collectors 14 and 15 of the first embodiment. By the way, in the example shown in the figure, holes having a vertical and horizontal width of 0.1 mm are formed in a plate having a thickness of 0.2 mm with an interval of 0.1 mm. In the drawings, the direction of the opening shape of the holes 143 and 153 is parallel to the vertical and horizontal directions. However, this direction is not particularly limited, and any orientation including an oblique orientation as in the first embodiment is possible. Is also possible. The height of the ridge 161 of the separator substrate 16 in this embodiment is set so that the sum of this height and the height of the ridge 141 of the collector 14 is equal to the height of the ridge of the collector 14 in the first embodiment. The flow path cross-sectional area on the air electrode side can be the same as that of the first embodiment.

この実施例２によっても、実施例１と同様に拡散層に接するコレクタ１４，１５が細かい網目状となっていることで、燃料電池スタック１における電極全面に均一に空気を供給することができ、それにより濃度分極を少なくすることができる。また、電極とコレクタとの網目状の接触により、電極全体から均一に集電できるため、集電抵抗が減少する。更に、電極全体の触媒を有効に使用できるため、活性化分極が少なくなる。また、電極の有効面積を大きくすることができる利点も得られる。   Also in the second embodiment, the collectors 14 and 15 in contact with the diffusion layer are formed in a fine network like the first embodiment, so that air can be uniformly supplied to the entire electrode surface of the fuel cell stack 1, Thereby, concentration polarization can be reduced. Moreover, since the current can be collected uniformly from the entire electrode by the mesh-like contact between the electrode and the collector, the current collecting resistance is reduced. Furthermore, since the catalyst for the entire electrode can be used effectively, activation polarization is reduced. Moreover, the advantage that the effective area of an electrode can be enlarged is also acquired.

次の図９に示す例は、両コレクタ１４，１５を実施例２と同様のパンチングメタルで構成しているが、燃料極側のコレクタ１５を波状を有しない平板で構成した例である。この例の場合は、空気極側と燃料極側の流路断面積を共に確保すべく、セパレータ基板１６は、該基板の基準面に対して空気極側と燃料極側にともに突出する凸条１６１，１６２を形成した波板で構成されている。その他の構成については全て実施例２と同様であるので、相当する部材に同様の参照符号を付して説明に代える。   The next example shown in FIG. 9 is an example in which both collectors 14 and 15 are made of the same punching metal as in Example 2, but the fuel electrode side collector 15 is made of a flat plate having no wave shape. In the case of this example, in order to ensure both the air electrode side and the fuel electrode side flow passage cross-sectional area, the separator substrate 16 protrudes from both the air electrode side and the fuel electrode side with respect to the reference surface of the substrate. It is comprised with the corrugated board which formed 161,162. Since other configurations are all the same as those in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the corresponding members, and the description is omitted.

燃料電池システムの構成図である。It is a block diagram of a fuel cell system. 本発明の実施例１に係る燃料電池スタックを構成するセルモジュールの上面図である。It is a top view of the cell module which comprises the fuel cell stack which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. セルモジュールを空気極側から見た正面図である。It is the front view which looked at the cell module from the air electrode side. セルモジュールを燃料極側から見た正面図である。It is the front view which looked at the cell module from the fuel electrode side. 図３のＡ−Ａ部分横断面である。It is an AA partial cross section of FIG. 図３のＢ−Ｂ部分縦断面である。It is a BB partial longitudinal cross-section of FIG. セルモジュールのセパレータの分解部分斜視図である。It is a disassembled partial perspective view of the separator of a cell module. 本発明の実施例２に係るセパレータの分解部分斜視図である。It is a decomposition | disassembly partial perspective view of the separator which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. 本発明の実施例３に係るセパレータの分解部分斜視図である。It is a decomposition | disassembly partial perspective view of the separator which concerns on Example 3 of this invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１０ セルモジュール
１０Ａ 単位セル
１０Ｂ セパレータ
１１ 電解質膜
１２ 空気極
１３ 燃料極
１４ コレクタ（網目状の導電体）
１６ 基板 10 cell module 10A unit cell 10B separator 11 electrolyte membrane 12 air electrode 13 fuel electrode 14 collector (mesh-like conductor)
16 substrates

Claims (8)

電解質膜（１１）と該電解質膜の両側に設けられた燃料極（１３）及び空気極（１２）とからなる単位セル（１０Ａ）がセパレータ（１０Ｂ）を挟んで積層され、該セパレータを通して単位セルの空気極側に空気と水の混合流が供給される燃料電池において、
前記セパレータは、単位セルの両極の少なくとも空気極側の表面部分に、前記混合流を透過する網目状の導電体（１４）を備えることを特徴とする燃料電池。 A unit cell (10A) comprising an electrolyte membrane (11) and a fuel electrode (13) and an air electrode (12) provided on both sides of the electrolyte membrane is laminated with a separator (10B) interposed therebetween, and the unit cell is passed through the separator. In a fuel cell in which a mixed flow of air and water is supplied to the air electrode side of
The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the separator includes a mesh-like conductor (14) that transmits the mixed flow at least on a surface portion of the unit cell on the air electrode side. 前記網目状の導電体は、網目の開口率が２５％以上である、請求項１記載の燃料電池。   The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the mesh-like conductor has a mesh opening ratio of 25% or more. 前記網目状の導電体は、前記水を付着させるべく親水性処理が施されている、請求項１又は２記載の燃料電池。   The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the mesh-like conductor is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment so as to allow the water to adhere. 前記セパレータは、前記網目状の導電体とガス遮断用の基板（１６）とを重ね合せた層構造とされる、請求項１、２又は３記載の燃料電池。   4. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the separator has a layer structure in which the mesh-shaped conductor and a gas blocking substrate are overlapped. 前記網目状の導電体は、断面形状が矩形波状となるように屈曲されており、前記ガス遮断用の基板は、薄平板状に形成されている、請求項４記載の燃料電池。   The fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein the mesh-like conductor is bent so that a cross-sectional shape thereof is a rectangular wave shape, and the gas blocking substrate is formed in a thin flat plate shape. 前記網目状の導電体は、網線の間に前記混合流を透過する金網で構成される、請求項１〜５のいずれか１項記載の燃料電池。   The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mesh-like conductor is formed of a wire mesh that transmits the mixed flow between mesh lines. 前記網目状の導電体は、金属薄板に前記混合流を透過するパンチ孔が形成されたパンチングメタルで構成される、請求項１〜５のいずれか１項記載の燃料電池。   The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mesh-like conductor is made of a punching metal in which punch holes that allow the mixed flow to pass through are formed in a thin metal plate. 前記網目状の導電体は、金属薄板に前記混合流を透過する菱形スリットが形成されたランスカットメタルで構成される、請求項１〜５のいずれか１項記載の燃料電池。   The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mesh-like conductor is made of a lance cut metal in which a diamond-shaped slit that transmits the mixed flow is formed in a metal thin plate.
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